Check your kit

First of all check whether your internet service provider uses and ADSL line via a phone socket (such as BT Internet), or underground cable line (such as Virgin).This will determine which kid of router you need- remember to check on the side of the box before you start.

Plug in

Disconnect your PC from your existing modem and, following the manufacturer’s instructions, connect both your PC and your modem to your new router. Don’t worry, though-You can’t plug it in wrongly as the ports on the router should be labelled.

Power up

Attach the power cable into the back of the wireless router and plug it into an available mains socket. Now boot up your PC as normal and insert and run the software CD that came with your router. It should start running automatically, but if it doesn’t, double-click on the icon.

Set up

Once the program’s up and running you’ll be connected to the net. You’ll be asked to choose a name for your network (SSID). So type in something unique to you and your family. This will identify your network to other computers and help to keep it safe.

Play safe

You’ll be asked to create a long WEP or WPA password for extra security and write it down. You’ll also need an administrative password that others will find hard to guess. Be sure to remember this. As you might need it to change your router’s setting.

Turn on

Remember to save all the settings before closing the program. You can now disconnect your PC from the router and move it somewhere else in the house if you like. Your home network is up and running, and ready for other devices.

All set to surf

If your laptop isn’t wi-fi ready, check the manufacturer’s instructions before you install your wireless cards, but it should be as simple as putting a CD into the drive and plugging in the network card. For a desktop PC you’ll need a PCI card.

Finished!

When you turn your laptop on, it should automatically spot that there is a wi-fi network in the area. You’ll need to type in your network name and WEP/WPA key to get online the first time, but your laptop will remember these in future.